Red Gingham

I love following trends. But as what was pointed out here, I really agree that it is important that you still stick to your personal style and not just buy something because everyone is having it. Of course when it comes to polarizing trends such as this (sheer dress, anyone?), I love the part where I challenge myself and make a certain look my own. And I am grateful to have partners that allow me to tackle on trends without shelling out a single centavo. Still, when it comes to choosing items to feature from their lineup, I rather prefer tried and trusted trends – something like gingham.

When combined with on-trend ruffles for summer, this gingham skirt makes for a truly versatile piece. And when paired with chic summer accessories like this ark bag that FINALLY has landed on my hands (I will discuss in my next post), it’s once again another perfect summer combo. :) This ruffled skirt is from Zaful by the way.

Asymmetric Gingham Skirt

Top: Here; Hat: H&M; Shoes: Miss Selfridge

#FitnessFridays: When Sportswear Meets Streetwear

You know just how relevant athleisure is when designers try to incorporate huge fashion trends even in activewear. Take for example my Zaful sports picks below featuring the still going strong (and forever favorite if I may add) shoulder-baring trend and lace-up details.

Sure, comfort over style may not always be my motto in most aspect of my dressing (lol!) but it's different when I'm in the gym now that I'm a group exercise instructor. Shheesssh. So when the bestie was worried whether the top would hinder my activities it being an off-shoulder cut, there was only one way to answer. Last Sunday, I used the pair for an hour of dance workout on stage. I was actually more worried about the lace part of the capri since it might untie while dancing.

And of course once again, Zaful passed the test of making activewear that are durable but within a good budget. The straps on the top still holds the sleeves like a tee so you can raise your arms without being restricted while the ties of the capri stayed all throughout the session. And just so you know, I'm one of the most jumpy instructors on stage. HAHAHA!!! So, if you're on the lookout for some quality gym outfits but on a good budget, you may check out the links below. Use the code ZAFULSALES1 to get additional discount for every $50 purchase. Happy shopping :)

Wrap Hem Capri Yoga Pants

Cold Shoulder Padded Crop Top

Sheer Me Out

Excuse my ignorance but when the bestie was asking on the phone whether the hotel we're staying at is the place called Army and Navy club, I said I don’t think so letting her drove past the stately white structure while I sit comfortably in our elegant room waiting for her. Lol.

Okay, so maybe the bellboy did orient me on the future grand plans of this boutique hotel when I checked in but never once did he tell me about the rich history of the place. Shame. But nothing a little research won’t solve, right?

So, Rizal Park Hotel is the exact spot where The Manila Army and Navy Club (built between 1910 and 1911) once stood. It used to be a national historic landmark and a glamorous enclave for American military officers and their wives/ families during the colonial era. This national heritage was abandoned 30 years ago (see? there goes my excuse) and restoration only started four years ago to turn it into a 5-star hotel/ heritage building.

Phase 1 of restoration is already completed as you can see in my previous post. But a quick tour around the ongoing construction for Phase 2 told me that there would be more than just the luxe interiors and copious use of arches in the lobby - there's gonna be an infinity pool overlooking the Manila Bay, a gym with lifetime membership, sky bar, fisherman’s wharf and everything would be completed by the end of this year. How exciting knowing that the place is just about 5 km away from our place :D

So, pictures taken here using this Zaful cover-up are on the infinity pool to be (see that panoramic view of Manila Bay?) and the still ongoing setup of alfresco coffee bar. As for my outfit, again got a new swimwear and a sheer cover-up on a rainy season? No problem. The cover-up worn here was styled ala-Coachella. After all, summer music festivals are still happening right about now in LA. :P

Sheer Cover Up

Sunnies: Here; Jacket/ Belt: Topshop; Shoes: Mango

Summer Somewhere

Sure, it's hard to chance up on a dry day here from now on because of the rainy season but you know what, that shouldn't stop you from wearing a swimwear. ;) As pointed out in this post, bodysuits or one-pieces serve a lot of purposes. This most coveted piece from Zaful has finally landed into my hands. Aaaah, you should know that this swimmie is always out of stock. So even if it's a rainy weekend staycation, you'd be sure that I'd still wear it. I paired it with this maxi tutu skirt that I once featured here. 

The garterized waist clings on to your lower part for cinching purposes while the halter upper part is in mesh panel with some embroidery in it to uhmm cover your bits. But word of caution, you're still gonna need some tapes here. *wink* If you don't wanna miss out on this sexy piece that everybody is wearing (seriously!), do check it out in the link below. :)

Spliced Halter One Piece Swimwear

Sponsored: Ruffle Kerfuffle

They’re dramatic and romantic – what’s not to love about this trend? First seen in S/S 2016 catwalks, ruffles and frills are still going strong this year decorating necklines, hemlines and in cascading tiers. What’s best about it? The ruffles in themselves already act as an accessory so no need to add one of your own. Take a look at this one-shoulder number from Rosegal – a minimalist take on still the shoulder-baring trend with dramatic frills cascading down the right shoulder. As the ruffles are a statement of their own, I just need to pair it up with red accents from Zaful. Check out how I styled it below. 

One Shoulder Cocktail Dress

In this second look, I opted for a ruffle on ruffle look. The top is actually a bodysuit that gives off that Kendall Jenner vibe holidaying off the coast of Cannes. If Kendall paddled in her off-shoulder white bodysuit, can you do the same here? Sure you can. :P The ruffles snaking down the neckline is already face-and shoulder-framing though I really like that unexpected shoulder look from it.  I teamed it up with this ruffled Capri from Zaful. This cropped pants has just the right amount of feminine flair at the hemline and all I need to complete the look are these complementary stilettos. 

One Shoulder Bodysuit

Ruffled Cuff Pants

Psst! Use the code RosegalChen and ZafulChen to get additional discounts.

Sponsored: Denim Crop

Crop tops and summer - an inevitable pairing. Because to steal a line from a website, when the temperature starts to rise your shirts will want to do the same. Lol. The trend has been around since forever and hopefully by now, either you've worked on your abs if you're a proponent of the trend (I'm not so I haven't, lol) OR checked out some styling tips to make it less daunting to wear. :P

I also do hope that the way you wear it matures over the years that's just about right for adults. Because to be honest, crop top doesn't really mean baring it all. Take for example this denim number from Zaful. It reveals just an inch of skin between the top and a high-waist A-line skirt. And although sleeved, it's also a bit floaty which can still feel cool for the season. I also love the fact that the frayed edges matched with this denim skirt for another denim on denim pairing. Here's how I styled it with red accessories (soon!) below:

Frayed Denim Crop Top

Sunnies/ Top: Zaful; Skirt: Unbranded; Bag: Here; Shoes: H&M

Happy 3rd, Zaful!

There's nothing quite like having a partner/ brand that understands your aesthetic, no? I remember one time I was requesting for a certain item and my contact person told me that the said swimwear actually doesn't fit my style. Haha! Good to have a reality check specially when it comes to swimwear! And I'm grateful for this brand for allowing me to be one of their ambassadors. 

For a special post, this is me decked out from head to toe in this brand. You've probably already seen the items in my previous posts but here's a different styling again by yours truly. Check out the links of the items. :)

Happy Anniversary, Zaful!

Dress: Crochet Midi Dress

Sunnies: Sadly, sold out but check the oval shape here

Shoes: Fringe Lace Up Sandals